Supporting Your Local Community Whilst Teaching

3 April 2012

Whilst you are teaching English abroad, you will get to know
many local people and see how people live in another country. The
allure of big worldwide chains that remind you of home may be hard
to resist but the overall EFL teaching experience will be all the
richer for getting heavily involved in the local community. Often
the countries you will be teaching in are developing, and the
people can be quite poor. Every bit of money you spend in that
country will end up improving the economy of the country, and the
lives of the people there. Here's a few ways you can help the local
community (other than your valuable teaching, of course!):

Volunteering

Towns with English schools will often be growing
and developing very quickly. Often there will be community events
going on around town, so go along and lend a helping hand! This
will be a great way of meeting the locals, learning about the local
community and will also give you even more satisfaction than you'll
already be getting from teaching.

Local Businesses

Whilst in another country, it's an ideal opportunity to sample
local cuisine and get involved in local customs. The best way of
doing this is to shop and visit local businesses and restaurants as
much as you can. Ask your friends or co-workers in the town where
the best places to go are. You can often get fantastic bargains by
building friendships with local shopkeepers or by knowing how to
haggle at markets. Often the local restaurants offer the highlights
of trips abroad, whilst you sample the culinary delights of your
new home country. It'll be a great part of your experience abroad
and it will mean that more money is going into the hands of local
people to develop the region.

Culture

One of the best things about teaching abroad is the chance to
become enthralled with another culture from the one you know so
well. Learn as much as you can about local history by visiting
museums, galleries, or even local elders. All three can wow you
with fantastic tales that you will remember long after you return
home. If you are in to sport, go down to a local match. If you're
in to music, go to a local gig. You will be in for an experience
you will never forget, and you will be glad you did.

We hope this has given you a little guide to how you can give a
little more to your new home.